Withers: Back to basics for Crusaders
Hooker Lincoln Withers says Crusaders will be going back to basics as they prepare to take on Warrington at the Racecourse Ground on Sunday.
The hooker says the Wrexham side will be going back to the drawing board after Sunday’s loss to the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and will be hoping for to rediscover the same form that saw them secure victories over Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos.
And Lincoln admits he and his team-mates are itching to get back on the field after Sunday’s display against the Wildcats.
“It was really disappointing,” Lincoln said.
“I don’t know whether it was the delay or whether the effort we have put in over the past few weeks has caught up with us, I’m not to sure. I’m little bit lost but now we go back to the drawing board and hopefully we can bounce back against Warrington.
“Wakefield played some good footie but we obviously let ourselves down. It was discipline and penalties again and that is the game really.
“We also made too many errors. If you keep hold of the ball you win the games. I just think we need to be prepared to get in an arm wrestle and give ourselves a chance by cutting down on the errors.
“I wouldn’t like to think that any complacency crept in following the results against Bradford and Leeds. If I could put my finger on it I would be a good coach. I think all teams have their ups and downs, we’re still a team with a lot of new blokes so now we will go back to basics and have a look at the things we did differently to other weeks. We are playing a class team next week in the shape of Warrington so we need to be at our best.”
Last Sunday’s game was delayed by two hours after the Wakefield team bus was stuck in traffic following an incident on the M62. The hold up affected both sides preparation for the match and Lincoln said it was frustrating having to wait around for hours.
He added: “It was a little bit frustrating but it was the same for both teams. We both had to wait around for hours so I don’t think it benefited one team more than the other. It’s all down to the rugby and what goes on the field and we didn’t turn up on Sunday. Like I said we now go back to the drawing board.
“Nobby’s good. He’s been there before and he’s always positive. He was obviously disappointed with the result and he’s looking for answers over the next week ahead of the Warrington game. But as I keep saying, it is about going back to basics this week in training.”
Crusaders attention now focuses to this Sunday when high-flying Warrington Wolves visit the Racecourse Ground. The Wolves are currently second in the Engage Super League table, four points behind leaders Wigan Warriors. And the Wolves will also be looking to bounce back following last week’s epic 30-37 loss at home to Leeds Rhinos.
Despite Warrington’s form, Withers insists Crusaders will be focussing on their own game on Sunday as they look to keep in the hunt for the play-offs.
“Warrington are on their game. They are a top side and play some nice rugby but it is about us at the end of the day. It is about us and how we react to last week.We just need to focus on our own game. One we turn up and play a bit of footie we know we can compete with the top sides.”